Weekly horoscopes: July 22 – July 28

Christopher Renstrom is the creator of Rulingplanets.com which is his idea of an on-line, subscription-based, interactive Astrology Magazine. It is based on his bestselling book Ruling Planets, which was published by HarperCollins in 200...

Shadow of a doubt

Doubt is a funny thing. Sometimes it undermines us when we need to believe in ourselves the most, and sometimes it’s the restraining arm that stops us from doing something reckless. Saturn is the planet of doubt in Astrology, and when it forms a square to the Sun on July 27, it will cast a shadow over your hopes and aspirations. If they wilt easily, then there probably wasn’t much to them — but if they survive the probing questions of this testing planet, then they will take on the stature of worthwhile aims and goals.

Shadow of a doubt

Doubt is a funny thing. Sometimes it undermines us when we need to believe in ourselves the most, and sometimes it's the restraining arm that stops us from doing something reckless. Saturn is the planet of doubt in Astrology, and when it forms a square to the Sun on July 27, it will cast a shadow over your hopes and aspirations. If they wilt easily, then there probably wasn't much to them — but if they survive the probing questions of this testing planet, then they will take on the stature of worthwhile aims and goals.

ARIES (March 20 – April 18)

You don't like it when things get too "psychological." You believe that people spend too much time dwelling on their problems and will use them as an excuse to avoid changing the things they need to change. But an unexamined life has its pitfalls, too. The Sun/Saturn square on Saturday shows you running into the same wall you've been running into for years when it comes to love and intimacy. It might be time to look at this pattern more closely and to question the assumptions of a lifetime.

TAURUS (April 19 – May 19)

You will see many things draw to a close this week, thanks to the Full Moon in Aquarius. This is the time to take care of unfinished business, wrap up loose ends and move on. It's astonishing how much has changed over the past six months and that, instead of making you feel beaten down (which is the way most people would feel), this whole experience has proven to be surprisingly liberating. Hold that thought — because you are about to begin one of your most amazing life chapters ever.

GEMINI (May 20 – June 19)

Why are you hesitating now that you're within reach of what you want? Geminis (like Virgos) have an aversion to seeing things through to the end. It's a comfort-level thing, and it comes from years of needing to know where all the exit strategies, escape clauses and loopholes are in case you need to make a quick getaway. Unfortunately, you focus more on how to get out of something than on how to get into it. Change your mindset. There's more to the pursuit of happiness than pursuit — it's called happiness.

CANCER (June 20 – July 21)

Some of the things you've been telling yourself about your relationship are a bit skewed. All it takes is one fight (OK, maybe a few fights) to label a lover or spouse as unfeeling, self-absorbed or controlling. And in a world where everything is referred to in shorthand, it's easy for these abbreviations to replace the person you're with. But you need to wake up and smell the coffee on the 27th and reconnect with your relationship. Yes, he has his faults, but they're not as bad as all that.

LEO (July 22 – Aug. 21)

You're battling with a lot of self-doubt these days. It's to be expected when the Sun is at odds with Saturn. Saturn often makes you feel like you're getting nowhere fast, and this could cause you to act out with a loved one, parent or boss. Rethink it, because people aren't the problem — frustration with yourself is the problem. It's going to take longer than you think to get where you want to go. Remember that anything worth having is always worth the time you invest in it.

VIRGO (Aug. 22 – Sept. 21)

Stop treating "ego" like it's a dirty word. If you didn't have one, then you would be in a lot of trouble. People would walk all over you; you'd never have the courage of your convictions; and — worst of all — there would be no you for anyone to love, cherish and enjoy. You would just be some invisible nonentity. The Sun in Leo for the next four weeks will show you what a personal difference you make in people's lives. Bask in the attention and gratitude. You deserve it.

LIBRA (Sept. 22 – Oct. 21)

The lineup of planets in your solar midheaven paints a bright picture. You should want for nothing when it comes to your career, home and finances. However, you can't escape this feeling that these accomplishments don't really belong to you. Maybe you got the promotion because you were next in line and not because your superior thought you were right for the job, or maybe your prosperity is based on your spouse's good fortune and not on yours. In the end, isn't it better to have than to have not?

SCORPIO (Oct. 22 – Nov. 20)

There's nothing wrong with aiming high, as long as you know what you're capable of. Sometimes people think they can get by on bluster and attitude, but that won't be the case when Saturn forms a square to the Sun this week. If any cosmic energy cuts people down to size, it's Saturn. If you've overreached, then you will get your hand smacked on the 27th. If not? Then chances are you were too modest and you will get some not-so-subtle hints to raise your sights even higher.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 21 – Dec. 20)

A woman will play a key role in helping you to achieve what you want this week. You may think you already know who this is, but guess again — it looks like you'll be turning to an ex-friend, rival or hard-to-please in-law. It will be hard to believe that this person wants to lend a hand, but that's what the Venus/Neptune opposition on the 26th portends. This planetary configuration is famous for showing us sides of people we never knew existed. Who knows? You may discover a new best friend.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 21 – Jan. 18)

You've been fighting an uphill battle to keep up with the demands being levied on you. Usually you slog on through, but let's face it — you're showing signs of wear and tear. So what do you think about chucking those demands? Not all of them, obviously — but how about 75 percent? Most of these obligations are self-imposed, and you could use the critical energies of the Sun/Saturn square to identify what's truly important and to offload the rest. This is a time when Saturn's impartiality is good for redefining priorities and economizing efforts.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 19 – Feb. 17)

The Full Moon on Monday marks the official start of your "new" life. You may feel like a timber wolf being reintroduced into the wild after years of captivity, but once you get the lay of the land, your instincts will kick in and you'll start to do what comes naturally. You'll enjoy this new path that you're embarking on. This week also marks the turning point for a loved one who's been toiling away at a thankless task. After months of plateauing, he'll finally receive news of a promotion or raise.

PISCES (Feb. 18 – March 19)

You were born under the planet Neptune, named after the Roman god of the ocean. When you remember that sea creatures thrive at different levels — for instance, hermit crabs live in tide pools while giant squids are happy at the bottom of the sea — then you may come to appreciate that people give according to their emotional means. Understand that, and you won't be so hurt when they can't meet you on your level. It doesn't mean they're not trying — you just can't fault them for being out of their depth.